Southern California -- this just in

Two dozen applications submitted to succeed Bratton

With the deadline for applications now passed, the field of candidates competing for the top job at the Los Angeles Police Department has been set.

A total of 24 people have submitted applications to replace outgoing Police Chief William J. Bratton, including 13 from within the LAPD.

Since announcing his decision to step down at the end of October, Bratton has been outspoken about his belief that his replacement should come from within the department. He strongly encouraged all 12 of his deputy and assistant chiefs, who run the day-to-day operations of the department, to apply for the post.

The applications will now be reviewed by the city’ personnel department, and at least six will be forwarded to the civilian panel that oversees the LAPD.

The panel, in turn, will conduct interviews and choose three finalists. From those, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will make a selection. A decision is expected by mid-November.